Sabalenka Reveals US Open Mixed Doubles Plans After Dimitrov Withdrawal

Aryna Sabalenka could play in the 2025 US Open mixed doubles if she wanted, but the WTA world No. 1 does not plan to, out of loyalty to her previously announced partner.

The US Open caused controversy by announcing a new mixed doubles format, scheduled for fan week. This format replaces the traditional one used at Grand Slams, where it is held simultaneously with the singles and other doubles events.

Aryna Sabalenka and Grigor Dimitrov were one of the announced pairs. The two share a friendship off the court, and seeing them compete together in the new format would have been terrific viewing.

Sadly, Dimitrov had to withdraw from the US Open because of a chest injury he sustained at Wimbledon. The Bulgarian heartbreakingly retired with that problem against Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinal after winning the opening two sets.

Unsurprisingly, Sabalenka has had other ATP players ask to play with her. The opportunity to pair with the top-ranked female player on the planet does not happen often, and it would be a great experience for anyone.

But Sabalenka does not plan on taking up any of those offers. The three-time Grand Slam champion wants to be loyal to her injured friend by joining him in being absent from the US Open mixed doubles.

Sabalenka's loyalty to Dimitrov is admirable. Many would not have thought twice about finding someone else to play with for what promises to be a fun new format, but she has refused to go down that route.

Losing the top-ranked WTA player is a blow for the mixed doubles. However, the quality of the other pairs means fans are guaranteed to be treated to much entertaining tennis at the event, scheduled for August 19th and 20th.

Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu's partnership is among the most eagerly anticipated. The five-time Grand Slam champion admitted that he personally asked to play with the 2021 US Open winner.

Their pairing and good relations off the court generated rumors about them being in a relationship. Raducanu confirmed that the pair are just good friends and found being asked the question amusing.

Alcaraz's rival at the top of men's tennis, Jannik Sinner, will compete alongside Emma Navarro. The pair did not know each other before the announcement, but that has since changed, with Navarro humorously saying that Sinner begged to be paired with her.

Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud's partnership also promises to be superb. When the six-time major champion was emotional after being heavily defeated by Coco Gauff at the 2025 Madrid Open, Ruud sent the 24-year-old an encouraging social media post, calling her an inspiration.

Some of the other pairs are Venus Williams and Reilly Opelka, Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic, Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios, Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, and Ben Shelton and Taylor Townsend.